EurActiv: An energy crisis bound to happen

European leaders will discuss energy security, climate and energy priorities from now until 2030. How far European leaders decide to go has implications beyond Europe’s doorstep, Natalia Alonso writes.

Amid announcements on the EU’s most coveted jobs, European leaders will today discuss energy security in light of the political crisis with Russia, as well as climate and energy priorities from now until 2030. The discussions come none too soon, as commitments made on climate and energy will also serve as Europe’s offer at next year’s UN climate talks in Paris, where world leaders are due to agree on a global framework to curb the worst effects of climate change.

How far European leaders decide to go has implications beyond Europe’s doorstep. Climate change is already exacerbating hunger and poverty worldwide. For those on the front line, it’s a daily battle against unpredictable and severe weather. For Ugandan farmer Florence Madamu, it is this that hampers her ability to provide enough food for her community. “The sun is prolonged until the end of September - and whenever it rains, it rains so heavily it destroys all our crops in the fields. You can plant a whole acre or two and come out with nothing”, says Florence.
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